Use of Humor in Presentations Makes Them Memorable

One thing the National Republican debates have reminded us of, is the importance of humor in presentations.  The candidates are obviously not aware to the extent that their comments will be twisted into late night fodder. They certainly do not give us these valuable nuggets for this purpose, but the comical statements and wisecracks played over and over again on late night television comedy routines reminds us that our audience is listening and they do take note of what we say and how we say it.

The same logic applies to those who may be giving a presentation. Those involved in a debate can prepare to the best of their knowledge based on what they hope the questions will be while those standing in front of an audience knowing their event and exact topic have a big advantage.  There usually is no hidden agenda and you generally will have prepared your message in advance. The use of humor in imparting your information will not only relax your audience, it will relax you. The pressure eases a little when you notice your audience participating and having a good time.  Humor can help you connect with your crowd and win them over to your point of view.

One of the hardest things about giving a presentation is to be remembered.  The use of humor can help you make your mark.   Maybe you are one of many other people who will be presenting on a given day.  What is it about you that is different and will make your speech stand out from all of the others?  No one is expecting you to be a natural comedian, but with exactly the right amount of humor added at just the right moments, practice, memorization and careful attention to detail, you will be a dramatically more successful speaker with a fulfilled and happy audience.

If your listeners remember you and further, tell others about you, then you have accomplished your goal.  Believe it or not, you are just as much a part of your presentation as the material you are presenting.  The time it takes you to perfect your presentation in practice and delivery is all well worth it and can make the difference between a successful event and one you wish you had done differently.

17 Comments

  1. Kim Stone says:

    I love when presenters use humor in presentations and when they don’t they usually are soooo boring I can’t stand to listen.

  2. Kim Stone says:

    I love when presenters use humor in presentations and when they don’t they usually are soooo boring I can’t stand to listen.

  3. Jane Faland says:

    Stumbled into this web site by chance but I’m certain glad I clicked on that link. You truly answered all of the questions I’ve been dying to answer for some time now. Will definitely arrive back for more of this. Thank you so much

  4. Jane Faland says:

    Stumbled into this web site by chance but I’m certain glad I clicked on that link. You truly answered all of the questions I’ve been dying to answer for some time now. Will definitely arrive back for more of this. Thank you so much

  5. Kendrick Mendez says:

    Humor – wow, I have attended too many boring classes to count. Humor is so important if you want your audience to remember you and most especially, the topic!

  6. Kendrick Mendez says:

    Humor – wow, I have attended too many boring classes to count. Humor is so important if you want your audience to remember you and most especially, the topic!

  7. David Carson says:

    Getting great feedback is an important part of any presentation. Using humor is by far the best way to engage the audience.
    To your success,
    David

  8. David Carson says:

    Getting great feedback is an important part of any presentation. Using humor is by far the best way to engage the audience.
    To your success,
    David

  9. Jenna Hillyard says:

    Humor is good in almost any situation and can help get your point across in a way that people remember.

  10. Jenna Hillyard says:

    Humor is good in almost any situation and can help get your point across in a way that people remember.

  11. Jess Ferino says:

    Using humor not only helps you in presentations, it helps you in life in general!

  12. Jess Ferino says:

    Using humor not only helps you in presentations, it helps you in life in general!

  13. I adore people who use humor in their presentations! I am not at all a serious person and find it uncomfortable to be serious in most situations. When somebody can make jokes and still present information it’s the perfect combination! As long as you know hoe to balance humor and factuality, you cannot possibly go wrong!

  14. I adore people who use humor in their presentations! I am not at all a serious person and find it uncomfortable to be serious in most situations. When somebody can make jokes and still present information it’s the perfect combination! As long as you know hoe to balance humor and factuality, you cannot possibly go wrong!

  15. Wendy Wilson says:

    What I love most is when someone screws up and is quick to use humor to address it. I envy the speakers who have mastered that skill.

  16. Sam Anson says:

    Humor (whether it’s intentional or not) makes the presenter more “real” for me. Like I’ve been listening to someone with a personality and not just a stuffy business person. Business doesn’t have to be all serious.

  17. L. Lincoln says:

    I agree. Humor is a necessary component.

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